Midday Mahj

before you come

What to expect

Here’s how an afternoon at Midday Mahj works, with answers to the questions people usually ask before their first visit.

See upcoming afternoonsNew to the game? Read this first

hour by hour

the afternoon

  1. when you arrive

    Arrive and settle in.

    The tables are set when you arrive. Order a coffee or an iced tea and meet the people at your table.

  2. the game

    Play a few games.

    Most tables play three or four full games.

  3. in between

    Have something to eat.

    Your drink or small plate comes to the table.

  4. about two and a half hours later

    Wrap up.

    Each afternoon stands on its own. Start and end times are listed on the schedule.

what you get

what a ticket includes

  • Your seat at a table of four for the whole afternoon.
  • The tiles, racks and everything else you need to play.
  • A drink or small plate at the host restaurant. What’s included varies by venue and is listed on each afternoon.
  • A host who welcomes you and finds you a table.

first time?

if you’ve never played

Open play is for people who already know American Mahjong. If you’ve never played, or it’s been a long time, start with a lesson. You can save a spot in a group lesson on the schedule, or book a private lesson with one of our instructors.

A first lesson covers the tiles (bams, cracks, dots, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers), how to build the wall, the Charleston, which is the passing round that starts every game, and how to read the card. Then you play real hands with your instructor helping.

Once you know the basics, try a beginner-friendly game day. It’s just for newer players, at a relaxed pace, but it’s play, not a lesson. When you feel ready, join open play.

Nobody learns the whole card in one day.

See our lessons

Photo: a small group lesson, hands on tiles, to come

good to know

before you come

What to bring

  • This year’s National Mah Jongg League card, if you have one. If not, we’ll share.
  • Reading glasses if you use them, since the print on the card is small.
  • Want to play with a friend? They’ll need their own seat. You can book up to four seats together.

We bring the sets, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Table manners

  • Name your discard out loud as you set it down.
  • Please don’t touch other players’ racks or tiles.
  • Give newer players time to think.
  • Be a gracious winner and a good sport.
  • No money on the table. We play for fun, not for quarters.

Food and allergies

Each restaurant offers its own drink or small plate with your ticket. Whether you can also order from the menu depends on the restaurant, and each event’s listing will say.

Tell us about allergies or dietary needs when you save your seat, or reply to your confirmation email, and we’ll let the kitchen know.

Accessibility and parking

Every venue is different. Each afternoon on the schedule will list parking, entrances and steps, and restrooms. If you need anything, like a chair with arms, a quieter table or a seat near the door, let us know and we’ll arrange it.

Questions before you book? Write to hello@middaymahj.com.

plans change

if you need to cancel

  • 48 hours or more ahead: a credit toward another afternoon.
  • Inside 48 hours: seats are limited, so we can’t offer a credit. If you’re sick or something comes up, email us and we’ll do what we can.
  • Can’t make it? You’re welcome to send someone in your place. Just tell us their name.
  • If we cancel: a full refund.

More detail on our refunds page.